The Delta Phi Epsilon (DPhiE) sorority was founded with the motto Esse quam videri, Latin meaning "To be rather than to seem to be." This creed of sincerity is a notion shared by the sisters of Geneseo's Epsilon Iota Chapter.
"We're all about separating ourselves from the Greek stereotype," said sophomore Christine Treimanis, the chapter's vice president of programming.
The DPhiE chapter here was founded in 1986 by 11 women, was Geneseo's first national sorority and is Geneseo's only international sorority. The sorority was founded in 1917 at New York University Law School.
These women share a strong sisterhood bond that is emphasized from the beginning.
"During new member education, you will always see sisters and new members together in the Campus Grind socializing," said Treimanis.
All of the sisters are fond of the quality time they spend together, especially the planned events like trips to Darien Lake or pumpkin picking. In addition, DPhiE participates in multiple intramural teams during the semester. Joining teams with other organizations, including other sororities to promote cooperation, DPhiE demonstrates its commitment to dismiss Greek stereotypes.
The sisters are just as committed to community service and philanthropy. They work to help the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through their participation at several benefit galas throughout the year. The sisters also support the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders. They show their dedication though events like this fall's first annual Love Your Body Love Yourself program as well as candlelight vigils. DPhiE was also well-represented at last week's Relay for Life, with one of their sisters, Kait Messina, donating the third-highest amount of money.
The American Cancer Society is the local charity organization for their chapter. ACS is a group that holds a special place for these women, since one of their founders was a victim of breast cancer. They hold a ceremony to remember her every year.
The DPHiE sorority house is located on 76 Court St., and will be filled with sisters for a long time. The group is on the rise with 13 new members that joined in the fall and 11 more that just joined this spring.
One of this semester's new members, sophomore Kristina Riggi, explained her motivation to join. "I never thought that I'd join a sorority, but I was just very happy with everyone that I met." Treimanis agreed, noting that part of the secret to their success is through recruitment. Rather than push the organization on recruits, they instead open themselves up to early friendships.
Junior Tricia Hein is a testament to the success of DPhiE's recruitment practices.
"I was not a student here when I first met these women," she said, "but now, I am glad I joined because I know that I have 54 best friends."